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10 Mar 2025
GS Paper 1
History
Day 1: Subhash Chandra Bose played a significant role in India’s independence. Discuss it, highlighting his ideologies. (Answer in 125 words)
Approach
- Give a brief introduction of Subhash Chandra Bose.
- Show his ideological contribution to India's independence.
- Conclude holistically
Introduction
Subhash Chandra Bose, popularly known as Netaji, was a fearless visionary and a staunch patriot. He joined the Indian National Congress and rose through the ranks and became one of the prominent leaders within the Congress. Along with Jawahar Lal Nehru, he represented the young leadership of Congress driven by socialist ideologies. His ideology and contributions had a profound impact on the Indian National movement:
Body
- Ideological Foundations:
- Subhash Chandra Bose was deeply influenced by the ideals of nationalism, freedom, and self-determination. He firmly believed that India’s liberation from British rule could only be achieved through direct action and armed resistance.
- He advocated for a more aggressive and militant approach to achieve independence which attracted youths to join the national freedom movement.
- Forward Bloc and Indian National Army (INA):
- In 1939, Bose broke away from the Indian National Congress due to ideological differences and formed the Forward Bloc. The Forward Bloc aimed to unite all anti-colonial forces and create a united front against British imperialism.
- Bose believed that a strong and disciplined force was necessary to challenge British rule, which led to the establishment of the Indian National Army (INA) in 1942. The INA played a crucial role in the armed struggle against the British.
- International Diplomacy:
- Bose recognized the importance of international support and sought alliances with other countries and leaders to advance India’s cause. He traveled extensively, seeking assistance from countries like Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II.
- With Japanese support, he established the Azad Hind Government and the INA in Southeast Asia, creating a parallel government to challenge British authority.
- Mass Mobilization: To mobilize the masses and boost morale, Bose used radio broadcasts to reach out to the people of India. He delivered powerful speeches, calling for unity, sacrifice, and a united struggle against British oppression. His broadcasts, such as the famous slogan “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom” inspired countless Indians to join the independence movement.
- Legacy and Impact: He injected a sense of militancy and urgency into the freedom movement, which influenced subsequent generations of leaders. Bose’s ideologies and actions inspired countless Indians, challenging the belief that non-violence was the only path to freedom.
Conclusion
Bose’s belief in armed resistance, the formation of the Forward Bloc and INA, and international alliances all contributed to the momentum and determination of the freedom movement, leaving a lasting impact on the fight against British colonial rule.
